"No, I mean it!" he declared and then his face reddened. He had used
that phrase before, and always at an unfortunate time. "Let's go back
to the hotel," he burst out abruptly, "these boys are painting the town
right."

They turned back down the street, where drunken revellers hailed their
hero with cheers as he passed, and as they entered the hotel Rimrock
carried her on till they had mounted to the ladies' balcony. This was
located in the gallery where the ladies of the hotel could look down
without being observed and for the space of an hour Rimrock leaned over
the railing and gazed at the crowded rotunda. And as he gazed he
talked, speaking close in her ear since he knew she had left off her
'phone; and all the time, as the people thinned and dwindled, he strove
to win her over to his mood.

He was, as she had said, in one of those expansive moods when his
thoughts were lofty and grand. He opened up his heart and disclosed
hopes and ambitions never before suspected by her; and as she listened
it became apparent that she, Mary Fortune, was somehow involved in them
all. Yet she let him talk on, for his presence was like wine to her,
and his dreams as he told them seemed true. There was the trip to
Europe--he alluded to it very tactfully--but he did not speak as if it
were to be made alone.

And then he spoke of his plans for the Tecolote, and further conquests
that would startle the world. There was Mexico, a vast treasure-house,
barely scratched by the prospector; his star would soon lead him there.
All he needed was patience, to wait the short time till the Tecolote
began to pour out its ore. He asked her minutely of Jepson and his
work and of her interview with the great Whitney H. Stoddard, and then
he struck the stone rail with his knotted fist and told what would have
to be done. And then at last, as the lights grew dim, he spoke of his
long days in jail and how he had looked each day for her letter, which
had never failed to come. His voice broke a little as he told of the
trial and then he reached out and took her hand.

"I've learned from you," he said, leaning closer so she could hear him,
"I've learned to understand. And you like me; now, don't you? You
can't tell me different because I can see it right there in your eye?"

She looked away, but she nodded her head, and her hand still lay quiet
in his.

"Yes, I like you," she said. "I can't help but like you--but let's not
say any more